Outfit for special event - ideas please

Yes Norah, maybe- but I think the top/trousers would have to be "of a sort". I saw some silk plisse outfits before Christmas for example, with layers in several blue-through to-indigo colours and then darker silk trousers in the same colour range... something like that might work Norah.

I'll look at LK Bennett and Nancy Mac. Thanks. 👍

Thanks NotAGran
That was fun browsing.
So far, I’ll be wearing this to the hypothetical wedding (and yes, I know I shouldn’t wear navy!)
www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-jayden-lace-and-chiffon-caped-maxi-dress-navy/p109470137

chescadirect.co.uk/collections/dresses?adscale=1&campaign_id=12452931109&utm_campaign=Dynamic+Search+Ads+%28Google%29&utm_source=adscale_search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&device=c&creativeId=616730819663&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRojgRznsMI7WKgKAKZK0Lnw79_ObW_8cwx94KgsZzUBZL3vX7wfqzgaAnx9EALw_wcB

these look like they would suit your needs and a bit less expensive.

Problem atm is so many dresses are waisted in one way or another and these have some nice empire line dresses.

Thank you NotAGran55 I went to John Lewis, Chesham, Next and Phase 8 this morning. The ones I liked the look of (and which might suit me) were mostly polyester unfortunately. I expect it's because it takes placement prints so well.

Thanks Wyllow3 yes. I have gone for Chesca in the past. They always have some nice summer linens - and they wear well too even though mine are printed.

NancyMac sadly too small at the bust.
😕
Interesting collection though.

Are you tall? www.dancingleopard.co.uk/products/havanna-maxi-wrap-dress-in-abstract-white-on-blue?variant=39670288973895¤cy=gbp&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRp9qUUo6bZRiEiAs7VsiBlSOhHQG6s7BLComB8njlrQIUoKBhUvZrAaAnGFEALw_wcB

www.next.co.uk/style/st430366/d43758#d43758

Here we are- linen blend and in the sale! www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-dress-sweet-slv-208186stone?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRqpu44pwzlvSp8jQFhpQCJ-6Z2uqj8hfyME4OEG0V462oa4nmB9MKsaApbKEALw_wcB

I am apple shaped with a reasonable bust. I don't suit fitted waist dresses as I have no waist.

I bought a midi length wrap dress with three quarter sleeves for a wedding we went to last year. It wasn't an expensive brand.

The style was more flattering than an empire line which can make you look pregnant if you are apple shaped.

I can't recommend any fancy brand names but I would recommend this style of dress, but not in jersey fabric which is too clingy

Monsoon have some lovely new things in stock.

Missed the link
www.monsoon.co.uk/womens/dresses/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRqyppbSk3xVUHkGUAlDNhP63mN_Q4ujuDoxMfo2h92eJo8J11VUp70aAriHEALw_wcB

Thanks PinkCosmos - yes. I'm not great in jersey unless very casual.

GrammyGrammy about 5'7" so not too short - but I'm a total wash-out in beige abd Creams!

Imagine a very strongly coloured big hat and matching bag and shoes.... If this dress would suit you then loud accessories will stop it washing you out. www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-dress-sweet-slv-208186stone?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRqpu44pwzlvSp8jQFhpQCJ-6Z2uqj8hfyME4OEG0V462oa4nmB9MKsaApbKEALw_wcB

Would it be very rude to ask what dress size you are, and roughly your budget? And what time of year the occasion will take place?

I'm probably a 20/22 top because of my bust - depending on style. I have to be a bit careful with styles cut for women with larger arms/shoulders too as mine are more "ordinary" size-wise and the larger arm-holes do me no favours.

I think that's why the Bombshell dress worked as it had some stretch for my bust and a nice v-shaped neck with a lovely (on me) collar shape. The excess fabric in the skirt was nice to give me a better silhouette but the tie was just in the wrong place!

Trouser-wise I'm a 16/18.

Thank you GrammyGrammy - I think the bold colour hat is very nice but I know I couldn't get away with beige/ecru/fawn...

I haven't thought about budget yet (oops!).
Certainly not Prada prices! Ha ha

Suzy Hamilton, if convenient for you?
suzyhamilton.co.uk

Have you considered hiring a dress/outfit that suits you, so you don't spend a lot on something you only wear a couple of times? You could splash out on new accessories that you may use more often, i.e new shoes, bag.
Hope you enjoy the wedding.

Could you have a dress made in the Bombshell style that you like, without the tie? Or perhaps a dressmaker could alter it for you?

Coast also have some good dresses in their plus range.

I'm hooked on this facebook group for buying and selling pre-loved wedding or special occasion outfits:
www.facebook.com/groups/519932719462286

Thank you all.
I had a dress made for my son's wedding so I could do that if need be.
Will definitely look at your other suggestions.

I blame this thread for spending the last 1.5 hours on the Monsoon website...sigh.....(no special events coming up).